2000 Re-Union

HAWKLEY 2000, AFTERWARDS

This letter was intended to be sent sooner, but my aged word processor decided to wipe-off the address list and its aged operator took some time to reinstate the lost information! However, better late than never.

Judging by the written and verbal comments received, we all had a very good reunion in July and we are looking forward to next year's gathering on Saturday the 7th July, please put this date in your diaries now, you will of course receive a reminder nearer the time.

Your generosity via my hat, was simply amazing, the total reached was £81.00, this was distributed by way of £40 to the Village Hall, and because Doris and Margaret would not accept any donation towards the tea, on your behalf they were sent a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of their own generosity and help. The residue of £21 was retained by myself to set against costs involved. Thank-you all so very much.

The total number attending was not established precisely, I recall counting in excess of sixty but feel certain there were some I missed. Charlie Sammonds reckoned on seventy, whatever the final score, we must be very pleased with the turnout. Once again the time went so quickly that it was impossible to have a chat with everybody, I suppose this is inevitable. We now have an international flavour amongst us, Ron Wallace joined us from Australia, we just missed Jack Douthwaite also Australia, his brother Clifford (Epsom) nearly made it, both were at Hawkley Hurst, also Tom Cowell from Canada, he had to cancel at the last moment as did several other members but there will be another opportunity next year. Perhaps we may see Jim Checkley's brother Bill visit from Australia!

photo to come, I hope

The group photograph above was taken by the Petersfield Herald, copies are available from them @ £3.50 plus 50 pence postage. They measure 8x6 in colour, have a reference number 28189130A. The Herald Is at 24 High Street, Petersfield, GU32 3X; Pat Phipps is the lady to contact.

For the especial interest of the Rowlands Castle section, your group photo was taken by Charlie, the resulting colour print is excellent, but as you can see, does not reproduce very well on the copier I have to use. Additional information: a recent telephone conversation with a Ted Redsull who was born and bred in Rowlands is very interested in receiving any information regarding the evacuees, has offered to chaperone any who wish to visit and pick-up past traces. Apparently, he just missed some of you who visited R.C. around the time of our reunion. He now lives in Bedhampton, which of course is a stone's throw away, his telephone number (023) 92451143

Ron Paskell was unable to attend at the last moment but wish you to know that a certain Patrick Loobey an author, is looking for old photographs of Battersea Central School at the Surrey Lane location and would be pleased to hear from anyone with such, he will have them copied and returned with all expenses paid, His number (0208) 769 0072.

For those of you who remember Prices Candle Factory along York Road, Ernie Sones sent a cutting advertising flats for sale between £235.000 and £335.000 on this former site. Any takers?

Thank-you to those who have written, I will respond in the fullness of time especially now that the hour has gone back, I will be able to get up an hour earlier and cram more into my day.

Finally, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas, the best of health In the New Year and prosperity.

Yours sincerely, Harry Withers, October 2000